China’s military commenced a new series of exercises near Taiwan on Monday, characterizing them as a warning against the “separatist actions of Taiwan independence forces.” The military did not specify an end date for these drills, which have drawn criticism from the government in Taipei.

Taiwan, a democratically governed entity that China claims as its own, has been on high alert for additional military exercises following President Lai Ching-te’s national day speech last week. In his address, which Beijing condemned, Lai asserted that China has no authority to represent Taiwan, despite expressing a willingness to engage in cooperation with Beijing.

The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese military announced that the “Joint Sword-2024B” exercises are being conducted in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan. The statement emphasized that the drills serve as a serious warning to the separatist actions of Taiwan independence forces, describing them as a legitimate and necessary measure to protect state sovereignty and national unity.

The command released a map indicating nine designated areas around Taiwan where military drills are being conducted—two located on the eastern coast, three on the western coast, one to the north, and three near Taiwan-controlled islands adjacent to the Chinese coastline.

According to the command, Chinese naval vessels and aircraft are approaching Taiwan from various directions, emphasizing readiness for sea-air combat operations, blockading critical ports and regions, targeting maritime and land objectives, and aiming for a “joint seizure of comprehensive superiority.”

Despite these activities, there was no announcement regarding live-fire exercises or designated no-fly zones. In 2022, following the visit of then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, China launched missiles over the island.

Chinese state media reported that, in unusual operations, the Chinese coast guard has circled Taiwan and conducted “law enforcement” patrols near Taiwan’s offshore islands. The Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for Taiwan’s policy towards China, stated that China’s recent military exercises and its refusal to rule out the use of force represent “blatant provocations” that significantly threaten regional peace and stability.

In light of the escalating political, military, and economic threats from China towards Taiwan in recent days, Taiwan remains resolute, according to a statement from the Mainland Affairs Council, which oversees Taiwan’s China policy.

“President Lai has conveyed his commitment to maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait alongside the Chinese communists in his national day address,” the statement noted.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed that it has mobilized its own military forces.

Lai’s address on national day underscored the current dynamics of cross-strait relations, emphasizing a strong commitment to preserving peace and stability while promoting future collaboration to address challenges such as climate change, the ministry stated.

“The assertion by the Chinese communists of ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’ is entirely unfounded,” it continued.

A senior security official from Taiwan, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation, indicated to Reuters that they suspect China is conducting blockades of Taiwanese ports to the north and south of the island, as well as in international shipping lanes, while also working to deter foreign military presence.

On Sunday, Taiwan reported that a Chinese aircraft carrier group was navigating southward through the Bashi Channel, a crucial waterway that separates Taiwan from the Philippines and links the South China Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Since Thursday, Chinese state media has published a series of articles and commentaries criticizing Lai’s speech, and on Sunday, the Eastern Theatre Command released a video asserting its readiness for combat.

The PLA’s Liberation Army Daily stated on Monday, “Those who play with fire get burned!” It further emphasized that as long as provocations for “Taiwan independence” persist, the PLA’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity will continue unabated.

The White House has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the military exercises. Last week, the U.S. indicated that China lacked justification for leveraging Lai’s national day address as a rationale for military intimidation. In May, shortly after Lai assumed office, China conducted the “Joint Sword-2024A” drills for two days around Taiwan, labeling them as “punishment” for the separatist themes in his inauguration speech.

Lai has consistently expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with China, but his overtures have been met with rejection. He maintains that only the people of Taiwan have the authority to determine their future and firmly opposes Beijing’s claims of sovereignty.